17 Setyembre 2024, Martes

Thank you father God for another year.

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Headlines

“I am not  fugitive”, Roque

By Nidz Godino

“I know that there are so many but as an ordinary person, I have my protection called  Bill of Rights under Constitution,” now  object of  police manhunt, former Duterte administration spokesman Harry Roque Jr. scoffs at being called  fugitive.

On Facebook Live, Roque declared: “I am not  fugitive…as  ordinary person, I am just exercising my right… I know lawmakers are powerful.”

House quad committee has  standing order for Roque’s arrest over his failure to submit documents related to his assets,  lawmakers say may be connected to criminal activities of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).

Roque would await decision of  Supreme Court on his motion questioning  legality of  warrant of arrest issued by  quad committee.

“If  Supreme Court rules to provide  documents, I will comply but I will wait for  decision of  high tribunal and if I was cited in contempt of Congress, I will accept that because I am urging  Filipino people to issue  contempt of the people against  quad committee and this Congress,” Roque said.

He insisted he has no unexplained wealth as alleged by members of  quad panel.

“They want to charge me for unexplained wealth, excuse me, my family was able to send me in  United States, in London and then at the University of the Philippines, this could not be considered as unexplained wealth,” Roque stressed.

Roque said he will not allow himself to again be detained at  House of Representatives where he spent 24 hours in detention after being cited in contempt.

“My freedom is very important to me… I will no longer surrender my freedom just like what happened when I surrendered it for one day,” he added.

“I am availing of judicial review against  order issued in grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack of jurisdiction,” Roque, meanwhile, said in a text message.

Panel co-chair and Sta. Rosa, Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez condemned Roque’s evasive actions, underscoring that his blatant disregard for House’s authority is  direct challenge to the institution.

Another committee co-chair, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, said Roque’s refusal to cooperate only deepens suspicions regarding his involvement in  illegal activities in some POGO hubs.

Committee  has urged  public to provide any information on Roque’s whereabouts to aid law enforcement.

Quad committee member Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel said Roque may be prevented from leaving the country if he fails to show up on Thursday at the hearing of  panel.

Pimentel said  quad committee may ask  Bureau of Immigration (BI) to issue  hold departure against Roque if latter again skips next hearing  sixth on the issue  and evades  “order of detention” issued by  panel.

“So I strongly suggest to Mr. Harry Roque, for him to appear, we will have another hearing this coming Thursday so that he could shed light on  different questions that arise from his involvement in POGO, more specifically in Lucky South 99,” Pimentel said.

Panel branded Roque as  “fugitive” for failing to fulfill his commitment to submit some documents related to POGO operations.

Last week, House’s Sergeant-at-Arms served  order to his law office in Salcedo Village, Makati but went away empty handed.

Pimentel said committee secretariat has not received any “pertinent documents” from Roque.

He also revealed committee also considers issuing  “show cause order” to Roque’s wife Myla, who also snubbed  invitation to appear before committee.

“She has not appeared so most probably or highly likely during next hearing, we will already move for  show cause order to Mrs. Myla Roque, why she does not want to appear in our committee,” Pimentel added.

He explained  Myla Roque’s participation in the probe is crucial because her signature is on lease contract for  house in Tuba, Benguet where two Chinese nationals linked to POGO were arrested.

House  is “owned by  corporation, and that corporation is owned by  corporation wherein Harry Roque is  majority stakeholder, so in effect it is Harry Roque who owns  house actually,” Pimentel said. 

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Ephesians 5:1

5 ¹ Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Psalm 119:64

⁶⁴ The earth is filled with your love, Lord;
    teach me your decrees.

1 Setyembre 2024, Linggo

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Cops raids POGO hub in Cebu

By J.Lo

POLICE authorities are looking into  132 foreigners  rounded up in  suspected illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator hub or scam farm in Lapu-Lapu City , Cebu.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other government agencies found  foreigners when they raided  scam farm in  hotel past 2 in the afternoon yesterday.

NBI director Jaime Santiago said  rescue operation was conducted on request of  Indonesian government.

Santiago said in  message on Viber  81 of  foreigners are from Indonesia, 47 from China, three from Myanmar and one from Taiwan.

Apart from  NBI, representatives from  Bureau of Immigration, Inter-Agency Council and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission were involved in the operation.

Santiago said immigration personnel are checking  documents of people who were rounded up to determine who among them are victims.                           

1 Setyembre 2024, Linggo

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Jap animator, doctors among Magsaysay awardees

By Nidz Godino

“By championing  rural poor,  movement made sure to leave no one behind as nation marches forward to greater economic prosperity and modernization,” Ramon Magsaysay Awards said  one group and four individuals, including award-winning Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, were proclaimed as recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards this year.

Aside from Miyazaki of Japan, environmental activist Farwiza Farhan of Indonesia, reproductive health advocate Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuoc of Vietnam, scholar Karma Phuntsho of Bhutan and  Rural Doctors Movement from Thailand will receive  award, dubbed as “Asia’s highest prize and highest honor,” now on its 66th year.

Miyazaki, known for Oscar-winning animated films “Spirited Away” and “The Boy and the Heron”he both wrote and directed, was recognized for “his lifelong commitment to  use of art, specifically animation, to illuminate  human condition, especially lauding his devotion to children as torchbearers of  imagination, to whom he has passed  light and spark of his own,” according to  statement from  Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF).

It stressed  Japanese animator and filmmaker “tackles complicated issues, using his art to make them comprehensible to children, whether it be about protecting  environment, advocating for peace or championing  rights and roles of women in society.”

Farhan was given  award for her “profound understanding of  vital connection between nature and humanity, her commitment to social justice and responsible citizenship through her work with forest communities, and her promotion of greater awareness of  need to protect  beating heart and lungs of her country’s and Asia’s rich, but endangered natural resources.”

She founded  Yayasan Hutan Alam dan Lingkungan Aceh or HAKA, or Forest Nature and Environment of Aceh Foundation, protects  Leuser Ecosystem,  2.6-million hectare forest in Aceh province “where some of the world’s most highly endangered species have managed to survive.”

Physician  specializing in obstetrics and gynecology,  RMAF cited Phuong for her “extraordinary dedication and talent, but also  spirit of public service and  message of hope she continues to propagate among her people.”

Her study established that people exposed to tetrachlorodibenzodioxin , one of  most toxic and poisonous chemicals and  component of “Agent Orange”  that was sprayed by American forces in Vietnam during the war, suffered birth defects and miscarriages. She also took her advocacy against Agent Orange before medical forums particularly in  United States, demanding accountability and compensation from chemical companies.

RMAF added in acknowledging Phuong, “she offers proof that it can never be too late to right  wrongs of war, and gain justice and relief for its hapless victims.”

RMAF also bestowed  award on Bhutan’s Phuntsho,  former Buddhist monk who finished his master’s and doctorate degrees at Oxford University, for his “invaluable and enduring contributions towards harmonizing  richness of his country’s past with diverse predicaments and prospects of its present, inspiring young Bhutanese to be proud of their heritage and confident in their future.”

He founded  Loden Foundation, which advocated social entrepreneurship and led efforts to document and digitize  culture and heritage of Bhutan,  kingdom located on eastern side of  Himalayas.

Also awarded was Thailand’s Rural Doctors Movement,  campaigned for  improvement of and easier access to health care, especially in  country’s rural areas where residents had nothing to pay for health care programs. It is composed of  Rural Doctor Foundation and  Rural Doctor Society.

Conferment  ceremonies of the 66th Ramon Magsaysay Awards  named after  seventh president of the Philippines known as “Champion of the Masses” will be held on Nov. 16 at Metropolitan Theater in Manila.

Philippines has  highest tally of Ramon Magsaysay awardees with 65, latest being former government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer in 2023.

RMAF was established in 1957,  same year Magsaysay died in  plane crash, with  help of  Rockefeller Brothers Foundation with  objective of “honoring greatness of spirit in selfless service to  people of Asia.”

1 Setyembre 2024, Linggo

Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez

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Clergy urges Espenido: Expose anomalies about Rody’s drug war

By J.Lo

“Declare whatever wrong you have done because you followed  corrupt…you can still give justice to  drug war victims…” Roman Catholic Fr. Flavie Villanueva, founder of Program Paghilom, called Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido to continue exposing  anomalies in  war on drugs during  Duterte administration.

Villanueva,  priest known for helping  kin of victims of extrajudicial killings appealed to controversial police official Espenido to continue exposing  anomalies in  war on drugs during  Duterte administration.

Villanueva said police officers should not let  Philippine National Police (PNP) be proven as  “biggest crime group” – as Espenido described – that only follows orders from officials of the previous administration.

Villanueva also said  statements of Espenido and other cops could be vital in unraveling  execution of the war on drugs by former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, who was then PNP chief.

During  House hearing, Espenido confirmed  reward and quota system during  war on drugs, and that “neutralizing” illegal drugs also meant killing persons involved in  illegal drug trade.

He added  testimonies of Espenido and others were proof that the truth was already coming out in the open,  police officers involved should take advantage of.

Villanueva’s Program Paghilom has helped estimated 300 families of victims of  war on drugs through various programs, including  establishment of  memorial site for  victims at the La Loma Cemetery in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association Inc. has expressed concern over Espenido’s declaration that  PNP is biggest crime group in the country.

 7,637-strong PNPA alumni said Espenido’s broad and generalized accusation not only tarnished  police force’s reputation but also undermined  dedication of thousands of police officers who are working to serve and protect  public.

1 Setyembre 2024, Linggo

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CIV, Coca-Cola partner for mangrove project

By Nidz Godino

“This financing initiative delivers on Coca-Cola Foundation’s continued focus to help support climate resilience and enable vulnerable communities to adapt to impacts of climate change,” Coca-Cola Foundation president Carlos Pagoaga said Coca-Cola Foundation,  global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Co.,  and Conservation International Ventures jointly announced  launch of  new, innovative climate resilience project in Southeast Asia to protect and restore mangrove areas, play  critical role in guarding against impact of climate change.

Globally, protecting mangrove areas against coastal flooding is estimated to help save more than $80 billion in losses annually, and could impact around 18 million people worldwide.

Southeast Asia is  critical region for mangrove ecosystems, including Indonesia,  home to 3.63 million hectares, representing  significant amount of  world’s remaining mangroves. Mangroves contribute to coastal resilience, especially in the Philippines, which experiences  devastation of multiple typhoons yearly.

Through  $1.5-million grant,  project will create dedicated investment pool in Conservation International’s Venture philanthropy fund, financing up to three to four small and medium sized enterprises.

Investment will go toward businesses that support local communities and mangrove protection such as crab cultivation or wild shellfish harvesting.

“While this is just  first step, we envision  this project will help improve  lives of thousands of people living in vulnerable shoreline communities by restoring and protecting mangrove coastlines across Indonesia and  Philippines,” he added.

Gracie White, Conservation International Ventures director of Global Ocean Investments, said, “Marine and coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes play  significant role in global climate mitigation and adaptation. Mangroves are climate superstars, single square kilometer of mangroves can lock away as much climate-warming carbon as  annual emissions of 35,000 cars.”

“This new innovative climate resilience project is latest to transform  way we approach climate protection and support businesses that are focused on  growth and protection of vital mangrove ecosystems…we are excited for  support of The Coca Cola Foundation on this effort,” White added.

1 Setyembre 2024, Linggo

Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez

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Headlines

Chinese vessel rams PCG patrol ship thrice

By Nidz Godino

“For  Philippine Coast Guard,  reason for deployment of BRP Teresa Magbanua is for us to carry out legal, legitimate coast guard operation within our exclusive economic zone,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela said PCG’s first 97-meter patrol vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua, became  latest victim of aggression by Chinese forces, with  single China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel ramming it at least three times.

Patrol  ship acquired from Japan lifted anchor in  area within Escoda Shoal at 8:50 in the morning yesterday despite being surrounded by People’s Liberation Army Navy tugboats 185 and 175, CCG vessels 4303 and 3104 and five Chinese maritime militia vessels, according to Tarriela.

Suddenly, another CCG vessel, 5205, was seen sailing toward BRP Teresa Magbanua, as shown in  photo captured by drone of  PCG.

While  PCG ship was on move, CCG 5205 performed “dangerous maneuvers” around it.

Tarriela said CCG 5205 hit Teresa Magbanua’s port bow, then turned around and crashed onto its starboard quarter, then turned again and struck its port bow.  Collisions  left holes in parts of  PCG vessel.

Tarriela said  PCG vessel had to drop anchor again within Escoda Shoal at 2:59 in the afternoon.

He pointed out  CCG carried out its “bullying” moves toward BRP Teresa Magbanua “despite its unprovoked action and presence in Escoda Shoal,”  near  coast of
 Palawan and within  200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Philippines pursuant to international law and  2016 Arbitral Ruling.

It previously earned ire of China, filing  diplomatic protest saying it illegally anchored in Escoda Shoal, while China’s state media suspected that its presence was  sign of  Philippines building  forward deployment base, according to Tarriela.

Operation  includes routine patrols and provision of supplies and assistance to both PCG personnel and Filipino fisherfolk in  West Philippine Sea.

Tarriela said PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered  team deployed to Escoda Shoal to inspect  damage to BRP Teresa Magbanua.

Tarriela added  no personnel onboard BRP Teresa Magbanua was hurt as  result of ramming incidents.

Ramming  of BRP Teresa Magbanua was  fifth time  PCG had documented provocations by China near Escoda Shoal, also targeted both vessels and aircraft from  PCG and  Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, in  span of two weeks starting last Aug. 19.

Aside from ramming incidents,  China’s actions included blasting of water cannons by CCG vessels.

Asked about next action, National Maritime Council spokesman retired vice admiral Alexander Lopez said it would be studied by  Department of Foreign Affairs.

BRP Teresa Magbanua has been in Escoda Shoal since April to prevent suspected reclamation by China, following  discovery by marine science researchers from  University of the Philippines of crushed corals dumped in the area, according to previous reports.

Hours after incident, China was again quick to place  blame on Philippines, as former claimed that  PCG’s BRP Teresa Magbanua caused  collision with  CCG vessel in Escoda Shoal.

In  statement issued by  Chinese embassy in Manila, CCG spokesman Liu Dejun said that at 8:02 in the morning yesterday,  BRP Teresa Magbanua, “illegally stranded in China’s Xianbin Reef, lifted anchor and continued to maneuver and cause trouble in the Xianbin Reef lagoon.”

“Chinese Coast Guard ship 5205 took measures such as issuing warnings and following up on ship 9701 in accordance with laws and regulations…at 12:06 in the afternoon,  Philippine ship 9701 deliberately collided with the Chinese ship 5205, which was normally enforcing rights and law enforcement, in an unprofessional and dangerous manner, resulting in  collision,  responsibility lies entirely with Philippines…we once again warn  Philippines to face reality, give up illusions and withdraw immediately on its own is  only correct way…do not misjudge  situation, create hot spots or escalate  situation, otherwise  Philippines will bear all consequences,”  statement alleged.

Repeating its usual statement despite 2016 Arbitral Award  rejected China’s expansive maritime claims in South China Sea and  West Philippine Sea,  numerous nations declare to be legal and binding, China said it “has indisputable sovereignty over  Nansha Islands, including Xianbin Reef, and its adjacent waters.”

“China Coast Guard will take necessary measures to resolutely thwart all infringements that provoke trouble and cause trouble, and resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Liu said.

Meanwhile,  United States, through US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, slammed China for again intentionally ramming Philippine vessel in  West Philippine Sea.

“US condemns  multiple dangerous violations of international law by PRC ,People’s Republic of China, including today’s intentional ramming of  BRP Teresa Magbanua while it was conducting lawful operations within Philippine EEZ, we stand with  Philippines in upholding international law,” she said.

US has been consistently calling on China to stop its harassment of Philippine vessels in  West Philippine Sea anchored on final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award.

“We stand with  Philippines in upholding international law,” Carlson added in  post on X, where she shared Tarriela’s post on the incident.

31 Agosto 2024, Sabado

Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez

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Gordon, Hontiveros to indict Duque in graft case

By Nidz Godino  

“Lao accepted said transfer of funds by DOH for the procurement of COVID-19 medical supplies and equipment that are not available in the PS-DBM inventory and notwithstanding non-compliance with aforementioned procurement law, rules and issuances as well as the aforecited accounting and auditing rules on transfer of funds from one agency to another,” Office of the Ombudsman has listed Sen. Risa Hontiveros and former senator Richard Gordon as among its witnesses in the graft case it filed before  Sandiganbayan against former health secretary Francisco Duque III and former Department of Budget and Management Procurement Service (PS-DBM) executive director Lloyd Christopher Lao.

Based on  charge sheet, Hontiveros and Gordon are among six people eyed by  ombudsman as witnesses in the case.

Other  possible witnesses are Senate Blue Ribbon Oversight Office Management director general Rodolfo Noel Quimbo, state auditor Raymond Vallejo of the Commission on Audit (COA) Fraud Audit Office-Special Services Sector, PS-DBM Administrative Finance Group officer-in-charge director Arnold James Dupla and Department of Health (DOH) Accounting Division officer-in-charge head accountant Filipina Velasquez.

Ombudsman  also included  words “and others” so it could present other individuals as witnesses, if necessary.

On Tuesday,  ombudsman charged Duque and Lao before  Sandiganbayan with one count each of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,  prohibits public officials from giving unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference to  private party or from causing any party, including  government, undue injury.

Case  was raffled off  to  Sandiganbayan First Division, chaired by Associate Justice Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega with Associate Justices Bayani Jacinto and Juliet Manalo-San Gaspar as members.

Ombudsman  has recommended  P90,000 bail bond for each of the accused.

As of yesterday afternoon, Duque and Lao had not posted bail.  Court  staff of  First Division, wished anonymity, said no arrest warrant had been issued as of closing of  Sandiganbayan office.

Staff, however, clarified that Duque and Lao may post their bond without waiting for any arrest warrant from the court.

Case  stemmed from alleged irregularities in  DOH’s transfer of P41.46 billion to PS-DBM at height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Fund  transfer was supposedly for PS-DBM’s procurement of medical supplies needed by  DOH for  government’s pandemic response.

Based on  charge sheet, prepared by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer III Napoleon Regan Malimas and approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Aug. 16,  fund transfer of P4.4 billion was not supported by any valid Memorandum of Agreement between  DOH and PS-DBM.

Furthermore,  ombudsman said  fund transfer “did not hasten”  implementation of  procurement project.

Ombudsman  said its investigation also revealed  DOH “had  capacity and proficiency to undertake  procurement” itself.

Ombudsman  said  DOH transferred  funds despite  lack of certification that  PS-DBM had already liquidated funds received from the department, “in utter disregard” of procurement laws and government auditing rules.

Ombudsman  said its investigation also revealed  medical supplies and equipment needed by  DOH such as test kits, mechanical ventilators, surgical masks, personal protective equipment, nucleic acid extraction machine and cadaver bags were not even in  inventory of the PS-DBM.

As  result of  unlawful transfer,  government lost P1.658 billion, representing  four percent service fee  PS-DBM had charged  DOH for supposedly carrying out  procurements.

Ombudsman’s investigation on Duque, Lao and  other DOH officials stemmed from  2020 COA report and from  complaint filed by Hontiveros and Gordon in 2022 following months of hearings by  Senate Blue Ribbon panel on the issue.

In its 2020 annual audit report on DOH,  COA flagged several “deficiencies” in the health agency’s utilization of P67.32 billion in COVID-19 funds, including  unspent P11.89 billion intended for  procurement of various medical equipment and supplies and payment of benefits for health workers, and  P41.46-billion fund transferred to PS-DBM despite  lack of  required MOA and other supporting documents.

In their complaint, meanwhile, Hontiveros and Gordon said  funds received by PS-DBM from DOH, P11.5 billion was paid to start up Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp., as well as fund  supply of face shields, face masks, test kits and other medical items for the government’s pandemic response.

Procured  items were allegedly overpriced while some were already expired upon delivery. 

31 Agosto 2024, Sabado

Happy third birthday with father God Cynthia Lopez

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watch for the coming “Gamefowl Quest” 

KOJC cpd search almost half done

By J.Lo

“We have searched close to 40 to 50 percent of  property overall,” Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo told reporters manhunt for fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy and his co-accused has entered its second week, but police have searched only around half of  30-hectare Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound.

At least 2,000 police officers are scouring  vast compound to find Quiboloy, believed to be hiding together with his four co-accused in  underground bunker.

Fajardo said finding  fugitive preacher has been challenging.

Fajardo said police forces led by Police Regional Office 11 director Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre have yet to inspect all 42 buildings in the compound as they are concentrating their search on specific areas where heartbeats were detected by ground-penetrating devices.

Addressing questions about why it is taking police so long to complete  search of  underground facility, Fajardo said  structures in the compound are made of thick stone that can withstand man-made and natural calamities.

“We’re having difficulty in penetrating this underground facility as we are still locating  possible ingress and egress of this facility,” she said.

Without giving details, Fajardo said they have reason to believe  heartbeats police are detecting underground are that of Quiboloy and his co-accused.

Photos of the complex shown by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Thursday reveal  underground facility is covered with barbed wire and live electrical wires set up by Quiboloy’s supporters, making  hunt for  fugitive preacher more difficult.

He said they will coordinate with  city government’s engineering office to find out if all the rooms and passageways that police have so far found are declared in the KOJC’s construction plan.

Abalos urged Quiboloy to end  standoff by surrendering to  police and face  cases in court, stressing police would not leave  compound until he and his co-accused are caught.

Meanwhile,  PNP defended their chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, who drew flak after  video of him partying amid search for Quiboloy and his co-accused made rounds on social media.

“There was  gathering that night Chief PNP talked to  personnel, encouraging them and lifting their morale despite  tedious operation,” Police Regional Office 11 spokesperson Catherine dela Rey said.

She maintained  main focus of  mission remains,  to serve  warrant of arrest on Quiboloy and the others and bring them to court.

She added  brief flying of helicopters over  KOJC compound “provides aerial view and monitoring to the PNP operating units on the ground.”

She explained that they just wanted to have a bird’s eye view of the situation on the ground.

However,  PNP claimed  members of  KOJC “pointed high-resolution lasers to obstruct  pilot’s view,” posed great risk and danger to their pilots.

KOJC lawyer Israelito Torreon said “PNP has to prove first whether  laser emanated from  KOJC members.”